Hoping someone can point us to some areas in/around the greater Rochester area that has some fairly steep hills/stairs sufficient for training for a climb? Also looking for some area trails good for after work and and weekend hiking? Thank you in advance! Graham

Agreed with most previous writers. ADKs is about it. Letchworth, Mendon Ponds, and Ellison Park aren't half bad for getting away and getting some training in. Hojack Trail in Webster is flat as a pool table but goes on for about 6 miles if you're looking for that kind of thing.

Rochester, New York is a really cool place to live. There is so much to do there that you’ll love it.

For starters, if you want to stay in shape I suggest that you contact the Rochester Hash House Harriers. They’re a cool bunch of beer drinkers who have a running problem. They meet once a week and go on some long and crazy runs, with frequent stops in local pubs. They are great people, tell them that Doctor Harry sent you.

Next comes the Adirondacks. You’ve got a whole mountain range anywhere from 2 to 6 hours from Rochester, including the highest Mount Marcy.

Rochester is ice climbing heaven. The many waterfalls in the canyons south of Rochester freeze all winter. If you don’t ice climb, get some gear and get ready.

The Rochester area is also kayaking central, both whitewater and touring. There is a large and fun kayaking club in Rochester called FLOW. Tell them Harry sent you. In additional to ocean kayaking on Lake Ontario, some of the BEST whitewater kayaking in the country can be found within a 3-hour drive of Rochester. In fact, the best play river in the country, Fish Creek (class 3-4) is only 2 hours from Rochester. If you don’t kayak, get ready to take some lessons and get wet.

There are a few small ski areas around Rochester, nothing spectacular, but enough to keep you busy. Out at Mendon Ponds you can do a whole lot of cross-country skiing.

Rochester also has a vibrant night life, including a smoke-free bar and great restaurants like James Brown’s Diner and Dinosaur BBQ. You’ve not lived until you’ve had a late-night “Garbage Plate” at Nick Tahou’s.

Oh, yeah, you’re gonna love Rochester. Just stay out of East Rochester, murder capitol of the USA.

Catskillhiker wrote:Try Watkins glen state park, the stair case at the end is needless to say steep for about 300-400 ft, The many parks around Ithaca ny have decent climbs in them about an hour and a half away

Um...I'm not 100% sure, but I believe climbing is verboten in the state parks around Ithaca -- Taughannock, Treman, Buttermilk, et. al.

Doesn't mean people don't do it, but you may be looking at an up-close-and-personal visit with the po-po if they catch you. (Or a park ranger at the least.)

There's an EMS store in Ithaca now, down on Rt. 13 near Wegman's. I'd give 'em a call for the local beta.